June 01, 2006
Helleny wins SIU Presidential Scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Kristen Helleny of Herrin (13893 Bandyville Road) has won a Presidential Scholarship that will pay for her tuition, fees, room and board at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for each of the next four years.
Worth about $56,000 in all, the grants are the largest awarded to the University’s undergraduates.
The late James E. Walker, former president of SIU, set up the Presidential Scholarships in 2001. Each year, they go to 19 Illinois students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and who have at least a 3.75 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and a minimum ACT composite score of 29.
A graduate of Herrin High School, Helleny plans to major in courses at SIUC that will prepare her to enter a graduate program in pharmacy. Her honors include selection as an Illinois State Scholar, membership in the National Honor Society and selection as one of the John A. Logan Top Six Outstanding Juniors.
A cheerleader, she also played an active role in such activities as the Student Chamber of Commerce, Student Council, Spanish Club, math team and Teenage Republicans.
Helleny is the daughter of John and Sharon Helleny.
Strengthening the undergraduate scholarship program is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.
